Why does technology help students to learn? That is the question that many educators find themselves asking. Even some experienced educators who have been using technology for a long time might not understand why it works. Some think it is all about the motivational factor; students are engaged while using technology. This may be a huge part of the successful integration of technology into the curriculum. However, many educators don’t realize that using technology to teach students today is related to brain based research.
That was my case back in 2007 when I was introduced to the Technology Rich Classroom. My school received a Technology Rich Classroom Grant from the Kansas State Department of Education. I used the tools and the training I received to teach my students with vigor and enthusiasm. My students made significant gains in achievement, and I started to enjoy teaching again.
It wasn’t until I recently read the book Brain-Based Teaching in the Digital Age by Marilee Sprenger that I connected all of the dots. That’s when I realized that using technology in the classroom really works because it is Brained Based. I had experience with learning styles and Gardner’s 7 Intelligences before and used them throughout my teaching career. However, I didn’t recognize these same components were being used while teaching with technology. As an experienced educator, with various teaching experiences including special education, I missed this important piece of data; I know others have done the same.
Therefore, I created this wiki to help others to understand and begin to use technology as a brain based tool for teaching and learning. Hopefully, you will find resources that will help you to connect the dots too.
Purpose
Why does technology help students to learn? That is the question that many educators find themselves asking. Even some experienced educators who have been using technology for a long time might not understand why it works. Some think it is all about the motivational factor; students are engaged while using technology. This may be a huge part of the successful integration of technology into the curriculum. However, many educators don’t realize that using technology to teach students today is related to brain based research.
That was my case back in 2007 when I was introduced to the Technology Rich Classroom. My school received a Technology Rich Classroom Grant from the Kansas State Department of Education. I used the tools and the training I received to teach my students with vigor and enthusiasm. My students made significant gains in achievement, and I started to enjoy teaching again.
It wasn’t until I recently read the book Brain-Based Teaching in the Digital Age by Marilee Sprenger that I connected all of the dots. That’s when I realized that using technology in the classroom really works because it is Brained Based. I had experience with learning styles and Gardner’s 7 Intelligences before and used them throughout my teaching career. However, I didn’t recognize these same components were being used while teaching with technology. As an experienced educator, with various teaching experiences including special education, I missed this important piece of data; I know others have done the same.
Therefore, I created this wiki to help others to understand and begin to use technology as a brain based tool for teaching and learning. Hopefully, you will find resources that will help you to connect the dots too.